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The Ancient Greeks Weren’t Freaks After All!
July 10th, 2005
Looking for something new in your mealtime exploits for the summer time?
We know you want to be healthy and all, but to tell the truth,
if you’re not eating foods that are full of flavor along with the
healthy touch, you’re not living.
One of your most important senses is taste. Living healthy doesn’t
mean you need to live without that sensation. If anything, it should only
help you to embrace it more.
And nobody, well, maybe the Romans, but nobody REALLY embraced things
like the Greeks did. Although their domination in determining popular
culture has had its day, the legacy of overwhelming the taste buds still
remains.
For my cash, the best spot for Greek treats this side of Athens is
tucked away on Pico and Normandie in Los Angeles, California -Papa
Cristo’s Greek Restaurant. As the summer time heats up, you’re
going to need food that gives you energy but doesn’t weigh you
down.
You need your Papa, people.
For those of you who are on the Chicken Breast kick, there are plenty of
healthy options that don’t leave your mouth feeling as if it were
chewing a ball of cotton. Waiting for you in your Greek getaway are
Chicken Gyros, which are wrapped in a warm, soft pita like bread that will
hold the herbs in the chicken and the cool taste of the cucumber laden
Tzatziki sauce perfectly.
If you are on the carbless path, Kabobs of the same chicken are offered,
with grilled onions and peppers. Either can be ordered as a sandwich or
as part of a dinner plate. All plates are served with perfectly seasoned
potatoes and a small salad with Feta Cheese. It’s a perfect lunch
time snack, as it gives you the energy to get through the rest of your
day without feeling your belly hanging down.
If you are more of a meat eater, the Kefka Kabob is made from lean ground
beef that rivals any Italian Meatball - perhaps they are just cousins,
separated only by taste. If you are in need of a little Lamb, I’m
sure Mary wouldn’t find out if you took a little nibble out of her
marinated young friend.
I would say Greek food is the lightest and healthiest of all the
Mediterranean cuisine.
Most dishes and salads are served with fresh Greek Feta Cheese.
Olives are available free of charge, which can be dangerous if you’re
sitting for a long time. Look for your skin to have a little extra shine
on it the next day.
If your meat tastes are a bit higher class, there is a filet mignon that
is cooked exactly at the right temperature to seep into your mouth and
leave behind an aftertaste of juicy spices and delights. Greek food is
just as stimulating as Italian, only it seems to leave you ready to do
more.
It is the perfect date or business meeting place, and if you are of the
vegetarian persuasion, there are plenty of delights including falafel,
Grilled Eggplant, and the most astounding: Saganaki - sizzling cheese
with lemon. Have a pita or two and you’ll be flying.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is filled with art deco light blues and
colorful European flare, extending from the wonderful pictures on the wall
to the full service stores and bakery + goodie section in the front,
complete with meats as well as treats. Hey, it’s Greek (don’t
break your plates, please). A full selection of wines and other
intoxicating refreshments are all available.
Aside from the rack of lamb, everything on the menu is under ten dollars.
The experience of just sitting down there is worth more than that.
They have their own parking lot, which is always bumping because everyone
who knows the underground spots for great grub in the city of Angels knows
this is the JOINT!
Next time you’re in Los Angeles, stop in and have yourself a Big Fat
Greek good time without the big and fat part hanging around. Enough of
this. I’m heading back to scoop up some Spinach and Feta Pies and
Soulvaki Skewers to go. Perhaps, if there’s room, some Backlava
for a late night fridge buster!
Happy eating! Stay Greek!
Check out www.papacristo.com for more information.
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